Chasing Reality

Professor Michael Ruse is a British-born philosopher of science who specialises in the philosophy of biology and works on the relationship between science and religion, the creation–evolution controversy, and the demarcation problem within science. Ruse currently teaches at Florida State University. He has written over 50 books, his most recent being 'A meaning to life.' Join me for a fascinating discussion with Michael on topics ranging from monism to biology to free will and getting older.

In this episode, renowned science writer David Quammen will be taking us on a whistle-stop tour of the history of molecular biology, some of the key players, as well as three very central questions: 1. Is the tree of life...a tree? 2. What is an organism 3. What is a species. Prepare yourself for some fascinating surprises!

Have you ever wondered, 'what is the empirical evidence for non-brain based consciousness, and its effects on the world?' If so, you are in for a treat, as I chat with Brenda Dunne about her elaborate experience in the front line of consciousness research. Laboratory manager at the Princeton Engineering Anomolies Research (PEAR) Institute for 28 years, the lab collected a huge body of data, indicating beyond doubt that consciousness is something we can indeed study, and which deserves special recognition. Brenda has authored and co-authored many books, and continues today to be involved in many forums. Enjoy the show!

I was recently counting my blessings when Denis Noble, author of 'Dance to the Tune of Life: Biological Relativity,' agreed for me to interview him, because I am very interested in his perspective on physiology. To my surprise, he put me in touch with Perry Marshall, author of 'Evolution 2.0,' and they both agreed to talk with me about the ongoing excitement around questions of information and purpose that are driving our understanding of evolution theory to a new level. Not one to miss!  

Professor Garland (Gar) Allen is a highly distinguished historian of biology; indeed he was there for the inception of the very field itself within the mid-20th Century! I'm particularly interested in the different ways of approaching the idea of 'life,' and Gar helps me to understand some of the context in which ideas have been at play over the years. We talk about the mechanistic views, as well as more holistic and vitalistic accounts that have been debated through the history of biology. I get the feeling that we only scratched the surface, however this will be a fantastic introduction for anyone interested in the big picture of biological thought. For more information, check out his very intuitive and comprehensive 2017 book, Scientific Process and Social Issues in Biology Education.

Professor Michael Ruse is a British-born philosopher of science who specialises in the philosophy of biology and works on the relationship between science and religion, the creation–evolution controversy, and the demarcation problem within science. Ruse currently teaches at Florida State University. He has written over 50 books, his most recent being 'A meaning to life.' Join me for a fascinating introductory discussion with Michael on topics ranging from Buddhism to biology to free will.